Cavity shaft wall

ABSTRACT

A cavity shaft wall capable of withstanding pressure loading, comprising two spaced rows of wall members spaced by studs having means for engaging three vertical sides of each edge of the members comprising the row exposed to the shaft. The means preferably are provided by side flanges which open out into the stud, the flanges being bent to form pockets and being free to expand as the exposed members shrink, as in a fire. Insulating wool and electrical utilities can be accommodated in the air gap formed by the spaced rows.

United States Patent Balinski [4 1 Nov. 7, 1972 [54] CAVITY SHAFT WALL [72] Inventor: Henry A. Balinskl, Hoffman Estates,

[73] Assignee: United States Gypsum Company,

Chicago, Ill.

[22] Filed: Nov. 18,1970

211 Appl. No.: 90,504

[52] US. Cl. ..52/30, 52/220, 52/236, 52/481, 52/495 [51] Int. Cl. ..E04b 2/28, E04b 2/80 [58] Field of Search ..52/481, 495, 173, 303, 30, 52/488, 285, 479, 480, 220, 236

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,885,330 11/1932 Cherdron et al ..52/285 X 2,101,952 12/1937 Olsen ..52/349 X 2,123,410 7/1938 Fawcett ..52/495 3,333,390 8/1967 Banning ..52/48l X 3,349,535 10/1967 Balinski ..52/220 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 149,361 12/1952 Australia ..52/481 Primary ExaminerPrice C. Paw, Jr. Att0mey--George E. Verhage, John Kenneth Wise and Dana M. Schmidt [57] ABSTRACT A cavity shaft wall capable of withstanding pressure loading, comprising two spaced rows of wall members spaced by studs having means for engaging three vertical sides of each edge of the members comprising the row exposed to the shaft. The means preferably are provided by side flanges which open out into the stud, the flanges being bent to form pockets and being free to expand as the exposed members shrink, as in a fire. Insulating wool and electrical utilities can be accommodated in the air gap formed by the spaced rows.

22 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PATENTED 7 I97? 3. 7 02 044 sum 2 or 3 m x e r {f I04 72 I04- :04 n4 -u2 112 112 Fig. 6

Henry A. Balinsk! INVENTOR Dana M. Schmidt George E. Verhage John Kenneth Wise ATTORNEYS PATENTEDNHV 7 m2 SHEET 3 BF 3 38b 60b 3 60b 30b 6b H 30 Henry A. Ballnski INVENTOR BY Dana M. Schmidt George E. Verhage John Kenneth Wise ATTORNEYS CAVITY SHAFT WALL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In recent years there has been a great demand for structural systems for enclosing open shafts in multistory buildings such as offices and high-rise apartments. Typical of such open shafts are air return shafts, elevator shafts, stairwall shafts and the like. The walls enclosing such shafts commonly separate the shafts from other rooms such as corridors, toilets, and utility rooms. With increasing governmental concern for promoting safety for occupants of public buildings, manufacturers of building products have sought to provide shaft walls meeting at least minimal safety requirements, while at the same time, providing builders with materials that are both easy to install and low in cost.

Two of the most important of these safety requirements concern wind loading and fire ratings. Destructive wind loading is of particular concern where the shaft is an air return shaft or an elevator shaft, where pressures or vacuums are developed which load the shaft wall up to pounds per square foot in excess of atmospheric pressure. Fire ratings of up to 2 hours are necessary, particularly with regard to transmissions from the shaft outwardly, as a fire in a shaft is otherwise easily transmitted from floor to floor of the entire building. Commonly, these safety requirements have required a construction which could be erected only as a finished wall, whereas construction techniques now require initially only that the shafts be enclosed to prevent men and materials from falling thereinto. The finishing of the shaft walls is preferably done later floor by floor as the building is completed.

The above fire problems concerning shafts can also be said to apply to long corridors in buildings, which in effect are horizontal, rather than vertical, shafts. Thus, without adequate fire ratings, a corridor wall easily transmits the tire throughout the floor as the tire proceeds through the corridor.

To solve these and other problems, early building shaft walls were commonly built up with and lined with various types of block masonry, including both concrete and gypsum block. While this block masonry has proved suitable for many applications, it has been found to be undesirable in those situations where the shaft rises to great heights. Further, it cannot withstand high wind loading. Because of their great weight, concrete block masonry materials require supporting structures of great weight and strength. Further, these heavy materials give rise to problems in their installation. Those skilled in installing the above-described shaft lining materials are forced to handle at high levels the dangerously heavy concrete materials.

The next step in the construction of shaft walls was to substitute partition members for the block masonry. However, such constructions invariably joined several rows of partition members back-to-back to form a solid wall to insure that the required fire rating and wind loading were obtained. In some cases, members were laminated together to provide a partition member at least 2 inches thick. Such laminations not only required extra and expensive assembly steps, either at the factory or site, but resulted in members so heavy that extra men were needed to handle them and special cutting techniques were required to cut the members to size. A further disadvantage has been that some partition member elevator shaft walls constructed from panels such as drywall could be assembled only by positioning workmen and/or equipment within the elevator shafts a procedure difficult at best and dangerous at worst.

The most recent panel type of shaft walls have been characterized by solid constructions, the consensus generally being that such a construction is better suited to meet the stringent fire ratings and wind loadings. However, in addition to the problems recited in the previous paragraph, such solid construction results in increased material costs for a wall of a prescribed thickness, and the need for separate and thus expensive enclosures for raceways, electrical conduits, and the like.

Still another problem in the construction of such shaft walls has been the tendency of the panel members exposed to the shaft to pull away, due to shrinkage, from their studs under fire conditions. Thus, there has been the need for a stud which will prevent such separation while at the same time act as a fire barrier to the opposite side of the wall not exposed to the shaft. Merely making existing studs thicker and therefore stronger to resist panel member separation has not been an adequate solution, as such thicker studs are correspondingly heavier to handle and more expensive. The difficulty in using side-by-side studs which are abutted or joined back-to-back has been that the joint thus formed between them interfers with the attachment of the facing layers of the partition members. That is, screws driven into the combined stud at the joint will generally not hold.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This disclosure relates to a wall such as a shaft wall and components thereof which overcomes the aforenoted difficulties by a cavity wall construction having a novel assembly. More specifically, the wall of the invention is based upon the discovery that the components of the invention permit a cavity wall to be constructed which will meet the fire rating and wind loading requirements for shaft walls. Further, such components by their simplicity and lack of fasteners result in a wall which is quickly erected and which can function as a separating wall even when only half erected. Specifically, an air shaft cavity wall is provided for air shafts capable of generating air pressures, the wall comprising at least two liner panel members, at least one stud engaging the liner members, at least one partition member spaced away from the liner members by the stud with an air gap between the members, floor and ceiling runners attached to a floor and ceiling, respectively, and means permitting the liner members and the stud to be inserted within the runners from only the side of the wall opposite to the shaft. Such a construction permits a temporary wall to be constructed which comprises floor and ceiling runners attached to a floor and ceiling, respectively, each of the runners having a flange, at least two liner panel members one side of which is exposed to the shaft, means for abutting but not engaging the one side to the flange of both the runners, at least one stud characterized by flanges having means for engaging the liner members on three vertical sides thereof, and means for erecting at least one partition member away from the shaft and spaced from the liner members so as to leave an air gap therebetween,

the erected means being independent of the liner members, and means for snugly fitting the stud within the runners.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a cavity shaft wall for multi-story buildings which meets safety standards of wind loading and fire rating while at the same time is inexpensive, light-weight, and easy to install.

A related object of the invention is to provide such a wall having the necessary dimensions wherein the materials utilized are reduced in total weight.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a wall a portion of which can be installed quickly as a temporary wall.

Yet another objectof the invention is to provide such a wall in which the components are self relieving of stresses and retain their integrity under fire conditions. Preferably, this is accomplished by a structure wherein shrinkage of panel members is compensated for, while maintaining a shield against transmission of tire through the wall and at the same time permitting easy assembly.

Still another related object of the invention is to provide such a wall and components therefor which have improved sound attenuation.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent upon reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view in section of a shaft and shaft wall constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view in section of a portion of the wall shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, partially broken away, perspective view of the wall shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partially collapsed, fragmentary plan view in section of the shaft wall shown in FIG. 1;

' FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view of one of the studs comprising the shaft wall;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary plan view in section similar to FIG. 4 but illustrating a different portion of the wall utilizing the G-shaped studs;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary plan view in section similar to FIG. 4 but illustrating the wall only in its initial, temporary configuration;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary plan view in section similar to FIG. 4 and 6 but illustrating an alternate embodiment of the stud of the wall;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary plan view in section similar to FIG. 8 but illustrating yet another embodiment of the studs;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary plan view in section similar to FIG. 8 but illustrating still other embodiments of the stud; and

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary plan view similar to FIG. 4 but illustrating an alternate embodiment of the G- shaped stud.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS IN GENERAL The invention pertains to shaft walls in buildings, which include walls enclosing stair wells, smoke shafts, horizontal shafts more commonly known as corridors,

and particularly air shaft walls such as enclosed air returns and elevator shafts. As used throughout this application, air shaft wall" means a wall which must withstand at least up to 15 psf pressure in excess of atmospheric pressure. such as is commonly experienced in air return shafts and elevator shafts, without collapsing or otherwise falling due to such a pressure loadmg.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 1 an air shaft 12 is enclosed in a building by walls 14 and 16. For simplicity, the shaft 12 will be specifically described as an elevator shaft, the alternatives having been noted above. Thus, elevator cables 18 serve to raise and lower an elevator car (not shown) conventionally between the walls 14 and 16. The wall l4 may be a conventional structure, but it preferably is identical to the wall 16. The walls 14 and I6 conventionally extend only the height of each story of the building, being separated by floors and ceilings 20, the walls thus separating the shaft 12 from rooms 22, which may be corridors, toilets, and the like. The shaft thus extends continuously through the floors and ceilings, here shown as comprising at least three stories.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the wall 16 comprises floor and ceiling runners 24, a plurality of liner members 30 one side 32 of which is exposed to the shaft 12, studs 50 holding the liner members in place within the runners 24, and partition members spaced away from the liner members 30 by the studs. Be means of the construction of these parts, the wall 16 is assembled entirely from the rooms 22, without placing men or equipment in the shaft 12. During this assembly the liner members 30 alone with the studs 50 serve as a temporary wall in the initial stages of construction of the building to wall off the elevator shaft 12 without the need for additional barricades or safeguards.

THE SHAFT WALL Turning now to FIGS. 2-6, the details of the shaft wall 16 will now be discussed. The runners 24 are conventional metal runners attached to the floor and ceiling Because the flanges 26 and 28 thereof are of unequal width, the runners have a cross-sectional shape (FIG. 2) which resembles a J The attachment of the runners positions the longer arm 26 on the shaft side of the wall 16.

The liner members 30 are panel members comprising individual drywall or wallboard panels preferably 1 inch thick, vertically positioned within the runners and having any type of composition such as gypsum or mineral fibers. Preferably, the panels are nonlaminated gypsum wallboard coated on both sides 32 and 34 with a water repellant paper. The vertical edges 36 and 38 of the liner members may also be paper coated. By non-laminated," it is meant a board cast as a single piece without a paper layer separating portions thereof longitudinally. The liners are held in place within the runners 24 solely by means of the studs 50 which themselves are snugly fit into the runners (FIG. 2) and engage snugly the edges 36 and 38 of adjacent members 30. The studs are preferably either 16 inches or 24 inches on center. More particularly, each stud 50 preferably engages adjacent pairs of members 30 on the three sides of each member in the pair. the three sides being the opposing sides 32 and 34, and either edge 36 or 38.

Turning now to the studs 50, these are metallic studs extending vertically from runner 24 to runner 24 (FIG. 2), the thickness of the stud being sufficiently less than the width of the runners 24 to give a snug to loose fit therein. The reason for this will be more apparent when the assembly procedure is described. The studs 50 are characterized, as best seen in cross-section, FIGS. 4 and 5, as a channel comprising a base 52 and side flanges 54 and 56 extending generally perpendicularly from the base at the extreme edges 58 thereof. The base is characterized as imperforate, which character is not destroyed in the assembly thereto of partition members 70 by screws 90, inasmuch as the screws 90 obviously fill in the opening in the base 52 which they make in the attachment thereto of the partition members. The side flanges 54 and 56 are bent so as to form both a box shape, with the base, and pockets 60 therein. Particularly, the pockets are formed by bending each flange at a portion 62 thereof spaced from the base, at an angle of approximately 90, and again at portions 64 of the flanges so as to form a portion 66 where the flanges are in removable contact with each other (FIG. 5). The portion of the side flanges from the base edges 58 to the portions 62 can be varied in length, but in any event must be sufficient to provide an air gap or cavity 67 (FIG. 4) wide enough to accomodate electrical utilities, as hereinafter explained. The free edges of the flanges 54 and 56 then extend on out into the shaft 12 (FIG. 4). The bends at edges 58 and portions 62 are such as to spring bias the portions 66 together.

The above construction of the studs 50 provides the following fire resistance property. When a fire developes in the shaft 12 (FIG. 4), the liner members 30 tend to shrink after a time. Best fire resistance is obtained by maintaining the flanges 54 and 56 in contact with the vertical edges 36 and 38 of the liners. This is accomplished by the invention, inasmuch as the side flanges by their thermal expansion spread apart from each other so as to separate their portions 66. The imperforate nature of the base 52 then serves as a fire shield, preventing the fire in the shaft 12 from expanding through the stud into the partition members '70.

Turning now to the partition members 70, these comprise wallboard members or plaster layers which may be erected as a single layer or as two layers or rows which are in contact back-to-back. A single such member, such as would be the case if plaster is used, can comprise the other portion of the wall which faces out into the room 22. Or, a layer of plaster can be coated over a layer of wallboard members which form the base. Preferably, however, the construction utilizes two layers 72 and 80 of gypsum wallboard. Layer 72 comprises wallboard members 74 horizontally laid end 76 to end 76 against the bases 52 of the studs, the wallboard members 74 being preferably covered with backing paper on both sides thereof. Layer 80 comprises wallboard members 82 preferably finished on side 84 with the desired interior finish, the members 82 being vertically mounted edge 86 to 86 against layer 72 so as to stagger the edges 86 from the ends 76. The horizontal arrangement of members 74 and the vertical placement of members 82 is essential for maximum fire rating, while permitting long lengths to be used in layer 72. The layers 72 and 80 are held in place against the studs and runners, and against each other by attaching means such as screws 90 which penetrate into the bases 52 of the studs (FIG. 4). Screws are also preferably used (not shown) to attach the layer 80 to the runner flanges 28 (FIG. 2) at points spaced between the studs 50, to help hold the partition members 70 in place under conditions of fire.

Turning now specifically to FIGS. 4 and 6, in accordance with another aspect of the invention, a separate stud is used at particular points in the wall 16. That is, each corner 102 of the wall is preferably started by inserting within the runners a stud 100 having the same approximate width as the studs 50, but comprising a channel having a base 104 the width of which exceeds the thickness of the liner members 30 by an amount approximately equal to the width of the air gap 67. Side flanges 106 and 108 extend generally perpendicularly from the base. Flange 106 is short, but flange 108 extends further and is bent to form a portion 112 which extends parallel to the base toward the flange 106. The free unattached edge 114 of the flange 108 terminates and is spaced from flange 106 by a distance approximately equal to the thickness of the liner members 30. The general shape of stud 100 in cross-section is thus one of a G.

As shown in FIG. 4, the aforedescribed components can be utilized to form wall 16 which may completely enclose the shaft 12. The liner members 30 are spaced from the partition members 70 by both the studs 50 and 100 to form the air gap 67. The studs 100 engage each edge of a row of members 30 which define the terminal edge of the wall. A corner 102 is formed by abutting two studs 100 base to side flange, a screw I20 preferably holding the adjacent liner member 30 to the stud 100 of the wall which starts the perpendicular row of members 70. An elevator door can be formed in the wall 16, again using a stud 100 to terminate the row of liner members 30 with the partition members 70 spaced therefrom. A conventional jamb 132 finishes the edge of the doorway, and the elevator door frame, door, and operating accessories are hung or supported separately from the wall 16.

Still other modifications to the wall 16 will be readily apparent to one skilled in wall construction, such as the provision of stair well doors, T-shaped wall junctions, and interior comers.

Yet another modification permissible by the use of studs 100 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. When the studs 100 are abutted base 104 to base 104 with flanges 112 extending away from each other, they form a substitute for the stud 50 which is especially useful for closing up a section of the row formed by members 30 which is in the middle of the row. That is, as will be seen the assembly of the members 30 is progressive, so that a section 140 left open other than at a corner prevents the use of studs 50. Instead, the ends 142 of the row of members 30 defining the section 140 are held in studs 100, and studs 100 are placed over the edges 36 and 38 of a filler liner member 30 cut to the appropriate size.

The dimensions of the wall components obviously can be varied to suit the design requirements. However, a preferred construction is one in which the liner members are 1 inch thick, studs 50 and 100 are 20 to 25 gauge metal about 2 5: inches thick, and the layers 72 and 80 are each five-eighths of an inch thick, leaving an air gap of about 1.5 inches.

Turning now particularly to FIGS. 2 and 7, the assembly of the shaft wall 16 from the room side only will now be described in greater detail. The runners 24 are first attached to the floors and ceilings 20. Studs 100 are placed within the runners at the corners 102 of the wall. Both the studs 50 and 100 are inserted within the runners simply by placing them non-vertically in the plane of the runners, and raising them to the desired vertical position. The aforedescribed dimensions of the studs give them a snug fit within the runners without the use of attaching means such as fasteners. Next an end liner member 30 is positioned within the bottom runners 24, raised to the vertical position as shown in phantom, FIG. 2, and moved laterally to seat edge 36 within the stud 100. The remainder of the row of liner members 30 is assembled progressively, the next step being the snug insertion of a stud 50 within the runners 24 and the sliding of the stud to seat the edge 38 of the first liner member within the pocket 60 and against the flange 54 of the stud. Similarly, the row of liner members extending from comer 102 perpendicularly to the first row so assembled, is assembled. The result is the erection of temporary wall 16' shown in solid lines in FIG. 7 which without further construction encloses shaft 12 during preliminary construction of the building. Because the liner members are abutted against the runners solely by the studs without attachment to the runners, and because the studs are assembled within the runners solely by their snug fit with no other fasteners, this temporary wall is assembled quickly with a minimum of effort, all construction occurring from room side 22 of the wall. The quickness of the assembly permits the workers to move up to the next story, thus resulting in the assembly of the building shell in less time than has heretofore been possible.

Later, at the convenience of the workers, the shaft wall can be completed by assemblying the partition members 70 as shown in phantom, FIG. 7. That construction is further speeded up and improved as a result of the base 52 of the studs 50 being imperforate and lacking in joints, thereby providing a maximum usable anchoring surface for the screws 90.

In all of the above constructions of the wall 16, the primary characteristic is the provision of the air gap 67 which makes it a cavity wall. The air gap permits unlimited space for electrical utilities such as conduits 150 and electrical outlets 152 (FIG. 4). Also, mineral wool can be placed in the gap, thereby improving the sound attenuation of the wall as well as the thermal insulation.

Thus there is provided a shaft wall having drastically improved rates of assembly and improved over-all characteristics. The air gap so formed permits the wall 16 to be a maximum width for pressure loading and fire rating, while using a minimum of materials. The lack of fasteners holding the studs 50 within the runners permits lateral expansion of the studs and even bowing, under fire conditions, without causing the stud to fail. The use of 1 inch liner members 30 dispenses with a great number of earlier problems, namely the doubled weight of 2-inch members, the lamination steps necessary to form 2-inch liner members, and saw-cutting required to cut 2-inch liner members to size. Instead, the l-inch liner member can be carried and installed by one man rather than two, requires no lamination, and can be cut merely by scoring and snapping.

A cavity wall constructed in accordance with the preceding description, using 25 gauge metal for the studs 50 and 100, and wherein the joints in layer were finished with a joint system such as US. Gypsums Perf-A-Tape" and Durabond Joint System, was fire tested in accordance with ASTM El [9 specifications, the fire being applied from the shaft" side. The wall qualified for a 2 hour fire endurance and hose stream rating. A similar wall was found to withstand up to 15 psf wind loads and to attenuate sound transmission sufficiently to attain an STC rating of 39, as measured by ASTM E-66T test procedures. A second sound transmission test employing 1 inch mineral wool in the air gap 67 resulted in an improved sound attenuation of 44 STC.

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS A cavity shaft wall can be constructed in accordance with the above teachings, and still vary certain of the components. For example, the liner member 30 can be kerfed at the edges, and/or its thickness increased up to two inches by lamination. If the liner member is kerfed, then the flanges 68 of the stud 50 preferably fit within the kerfs.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 illustrate alternate embodiments of the stud 50, wherein the overall shape has been modified while still retaining the means for engaging the liner members on three vertical sides thereof. The liner members are partition members remain the same. Parts similar to those previously described bear the same reference numerals, to which the distinguishing suffixes a, b, c, and d have been added.

Thus, in FIG. 8 the side flanges 54a and 56a of stud 50 a are bent so as to extend nonperpendicularly from the base 520, in a linear fashion until they meet at portions 66a. The free ends 680 of the flanges extend into the shaft as before, so as to contact the liner members 300 on the exposed side 320. As before, the portions 660 are in contact with the edges 36a and 38a of the liner members. To contact the sides 34a of the liner member opposite to sides 32a, knock-out tabs are formed in the flanges, the tabs being bent outwardly from the flanges so as to be generally parallel to the free end portions 68a.

In FIG. 9, the pockets 60b have been formed by modifying the flanges 54b and 56b so as to entirely lack sharp comers. Instead, the pockets 60b are formed by smoothly curving the flanges. By such a construction, the stud 50b is provided with additional means, namely resilient flanges, for absorbing sound transmitted through the wall. One or both of the paired, adjacent liner members 30b can have the edge 36b or 38b curved to fit snugly against the appropriately curved flange.

FIG. 10 illustrates two additional embodiments. Stud 500 is the only one of the group of studs herein described wherein the base 52c is exposed to the shaft. The flange 54c is shortened considerably, and contacts only the side 32c of one member 30c. On the other hand, flange 56c is extended and bent so as to contact cavity-exposed side 34c of the member 30c contacted by flange 54c, as well as both opposing sides 32c and 34c of the adjacent liner member 30c. This is accomplished by bending the flange 560 so as to double back and cover a portion of the base 52c, and then extend through the paired members 300 at their edges 36c and 38, contacting the same. The remaining portion of the flange 56c is bent into a partial box shape, thereby completing both of the pockets 60c.

Stud 50d comprises a channel having a web portion 200, flanges 202 and 204 extending from and perpendicularly to the edges of the web portion. Flanges 206 extend from portion 200 parallel to the other flanges but inbetween them, to complete the means for engaging the liner members on the three vertical sides thereof. The stud 50d can be formed by extruding or roll forming. In the latter case, the flanges 206 can be replaced by knock-out tabs similar to those shown in FIG. 10.

Turning now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated an alternate arrangement of the stud heretofore described as the G-shaped stud 100. Parts similar to those previously described bear the same reference numeral to which the suffix e has been added. Thus, corner 102a is formed from the same liner members 30:: and partition members We as before, except that stud 100a now comprises a base l04e and two short flanges 106a and l12e which extend only perpendicularly to the base l04e at the edges 210 thereof. The base 104:: has been modified so as to contribute to the formation of the pocket 60e which engages the three sides 32c, 34e and 36e, by the following construction. A portion of the base l04e is doubled upon itself so as to form a fold 220 which lies along a plane extending between the edges 210 and the side flanges 106e and 112a. The fold is formed so as to be generally parallel to the side flanges, and spaced from flange l06e a distance approximately equal to the thickness of liner member 30c. In crosssection, the stud le is thus shaped in an E.

As is shown in FIG. 11, two of the modified studs l00e are to be used in the comer 102e, in contact base to side flange. The studs l02e can also be used in the door construction (FIG. 4) and in pairs together baseto-base for fillers (FIG. 6) in place of the G-shaped studs. One advantage which the stud 100e has over the G-shaped stud is that it can be more readily modified in width for use in a wider wall. Furthermore, it can be roll formed on apparatus not made solely for its manufacture.

Therefore, the invention is not limited to any one particular embodiment. Others will also be readily apparent. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention cover all alternatives, equivalent arrangements, and embodiments as may be included in the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An air shaft cavity wall in a building generally surrounding a vertical air shaft extending continuously through at least two stories and subjected to destructive wind loading, the wall comprising at least one floor and adjacent ceiling cut away to define the continuous shaft therethrough, a plurality of liner panel members, a plurality of studs engaging the liner members, at least one partition member spaced away from the liner members by the studs so as to form an air gap between the partition member and a corresponding one of the liner members, floor and ceiling runners attached to said floor and ceiling, respectively, and means permitting said liner members and the studs to be inserted within the runners from only the side of the wall opposite to the shaft side.

2. The wall as defined in claim 1, wherein said studs are fitted within but not attached to the runners, said liner members being abutted against the runners and held thereto by said studs only.

3. The wall as defined in claim 2, wherein some of said studs are each a metal channel comprising a base having a width in excess of the thickness of a liner member, a first side flange extending generally perpendicularly to the base, and a second side flange extending both generally perpendicularly to the base and parallel thereto toward said first flange, the extreme unattached edge of said second flange being spaced apart from said first flange a distance approximately equal to the thickness of one of the liner members.

4. The wall as defined in claim 3, wherein some of said channels are abutted base to base, said second flanges extending away from each other.

5. The wall as defined in claim 1, wherein some of said studs are each a one-piece metal channel having means for engaging the liner members on three vertical sides thereof.

6. The wall as defined in claim 5, wherein said partition member comprises two continuous rows of wallboard panels.

7. The wall as defined in claim 5, and further including a gradually resilient bend in said stud positioned between the liner members and the partition member and especially adapted to minimize sound transmission between said members and the partition member.

8. The wall as defined in claim 5, wherein said engaging means include a base doubled upon itself so as to fon'n a fold along a plane extending between the edges of the base, and a side flange extending from one edge of the base generally parallel to said fold.

9. The wall as defined in claim 5, wherein said engaging means include side flanges and knock-out tabs spaced along said flanges, the free edges of said flanges being bent so as to extend generally parallel to said tabs.

10. The wall as defined in claim 5, and further including means for moving said engaging means toward the liner members when heat is applied to the members and the studs from the shaft side of the wall.

11. The wall as defined in claim 10, wherein said moving means include side flanges, said flanges being abutted but not connected together at portions which are exposed to the shaft.

12. The wall as defined in claim 5, and further including a base as an integral part of said stud for supporting the partition member, the base having no openings therethrough.

13. The wall as defined in claim 12, wherein said engaging means includes two side flanges extending from said base, one of which contacts said one side of one of the liner members and the other of which contacts said one side of the adjacent liner member and the side of both said members which is opposite to said one side.

14. The wall as defined in claim 12, wherein said engaging means include side flanges extending from the base and bent so as to form pockets therein.

15. The wall as defined in claim 14, wherein said base is abutted against the partition members and said flanges extend out into the shaft.

16. The wall as defined in claim 15, wherein said each stud includes means for biasing said pockets together at a point spaced from the base.

17. The wall as defined in claim 16, wherein said flanges each extend outwardly from said base so as to be separated from the other flange the width of the base, a portion of each flange spaced from the base being bent approximately at a 90 angle to form said pockets, said pockets being in contact with each other at said point, the flanges continuing from said point out into the shaft, said flanges and said point being exposed to the shaft.

18. The wall as defined in claim 1 and further including electrical conduits conveyed generally vertically through the air gap.

19. The wall as defined in claim 1, wherein said liner members are each an individual non-laminated board the thickness of which does not exceed 1 inch. and wherein said air gap is wide enough to accomodate at least electrical conduits.

20. A temporary air shaft wall in a building generally surrounding a vertical air shaft extending continuously through at least two stories and capable of generating destructive wind loading, the wall comprising at least one floor and one adjacent ceiling cut away to define the continuous shaft therethrough, floor and ceiling runners attached to said floor and ceiling, respectively, each of said runners having at least one flange, at least two liner panel members one side of which is exposed to the shaft, means for abutting but not attaching said one side to the flange of both the runners, at least one stud characterized by means for engaging said liner members on three vertical sides thereof, and means for erecting at least one partition member away from the shaft and spaced from said liner members so as to leave an air gap therebetween, said erecting means being independent of said liner members, whereby the temporary wall is completely assembled for use and the shaft completely enclosed without the necessity for immediate erection of the partition member.

21. The wall as defined in claim 20, wherein said stud is fitted within but not attached to the runners, said liner members being abutted against the runners and held thereto by said stud only.

22. The air shaft wall as defined in claim 1, wherein said shaft is an elevator shaft having means for moving an elevator car therethrough.

I l l l l UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent 3,702,0M4 Dated November 7, 1972 Invent r( Henry Balinski It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent: are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 4, line 29,"Be" should read By "are" should read and Column 8, line 30,

Claim 7, line 2,"gradually resilient bend" should read gradually curved resilient bend Signed and sealed this 13th day of March 1973..

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER, JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents PO-IOSO (10-69) USCOMM-DC 00376-P6B U 5 GOV ERNMENY PRINTING OFFICE 19GB O3GG3Sl Notice of Adverse Decision in Interference In Interference No. 98,630, involving Patent No. 3,702,044, H. A. Balinski, CAVITY SHAFT WALL, final judgment adverse to the patentee was rendered Apr. 18, 1975, as to claims 1, 5, 6, 12 and 20.

[Ofiicial Gazette August 5, 1.975.] 

1. An air shaft cavity wall in a building generally surrounding a vertical air shaft extending continuously through at least two stories and subjected to destructive wind loading, the wall comprising at least one floor and adjacent ceiling cut away to define the continuous shaft therethrough, a plurality of liner panel members, a plurality of studs engaging the liner members, at least one partition member spaced away from the liner members by the studs so as to form an air gap between the partition member and a corresponding one of the liner members, floor and ceiling runners attached to said floor and ceiling, respectively, and means permitting said liner members and the studs to be inserted within the runners from only the side of the wall opposite to the shaft side.
 2. The wall as defined in claim 1, wherein said studs are fitted within but not attached to the runners, said liner mEmbers being abutted against the runners and held thereto by said studs only.
 3. The wall as defined in claim 2, wherein some of said studs are each a metal channel comprising a base having a width in excess of the thickness of a liner member, a first side flange extending generally perpendicularly to the base, and a second side flange extending both generally perpendicularly to the base and parallel thereto toward said first flange, the extreme unattached edge of said second flange being spaced apart from said first flange a distance approximately equal to the thickness of one of the liner members.
 4. The wall as defined in claim 3, wherein some of said channels are abutted base to base, said second flanges extending away from each other.
 5. The wall as defined in claim 1, wherein some of said studs are each a one-piece metal channel having means for engaging the liner members on three vertical sides thereof.
 6. The wall as defined in claim 5, wherein said partition member comprises two continuous rows of wallboard panels.
 7. The wall as defined in claim 5, and further including a gradually resilient bend in said stud positioned between the liner members and the partition member and especially adapted to minimize sound transmission between said members and the partition member.
 8. The wall as defined in claim 5, wherein said engaging means include a base doubled upon itself so as to form a fold along a plane extending between the edges of the base, and a side flange extending from one edge of the base generally parallel to said fold.
 9. The wall as defined in claim 5, wherein said engaging means include side flanges and knock-out tabs spaced along said flanges, the free edges of said flanges being bent so as to extend generally parallel to said tabs.
 10. The wall as defined in claim 5, and further including means for moving said engaging means toward the liner members when heat is applied to the members and the studs from the shaft side of the wall.
 11. The wall as defined in claim 10, wherein said moving means include side flanges, said flanges being abutted but not connected together at portions which are exposed to the shaft.
 12. The wall as defined in claim 5, and further including a base as an integral part of said stud for supporting the partition member, the base having no openings therethrough.
 13. The wall as defined in claim 12, wherein said engaging means includes two side flanges extending from said base, one of which contacts said one side of one of the liner members and the other of which contacts said one side of the adjacent liner member and the side of both said members which is opposite to said one side.
 14. The wall as defined in claim 12, wherein said engaging means include side flanges extending from the base and bent so as to form pockets therein.
 15. The wall as defined in claim 14, wherein said base is abutted against the partition members and said flanges extend out into the shaft.
 16. The wall as defined in claim 15, wherein said each stud includes means for biasing said pockets together at a point spaced from the base.
 17. The wall as defined in claim 16, wherein said flanges each extend outwardly from said base so as to be separated from the other flange the width of the base, a portion of each flange spaced from the base being bent approximately at a 90* angle to form said pockets, said pockets being in contact with each other at said point, the flanges continuing from said point out into the shaft, said flanges and said point being exposed to the shaft.
 18. The wall as defined in claim 1 and further including electrical conduits conveyed generally vertically through the air gap.
 19. The wall as defined in claim 1, wherein said liner members are each an individual non-laminated board the thickness of which does not exceed 1 inch, and wherein said air gap is wide enough to accomodate at least electrical conduits.
 20. A temporary air shaft wall in a building generally surrounding a vertical air shaFt extending continuously through at least two stories and capable of generating destructive wind loading, the wall comprising at least one floor and one adjacent ceiling cut away to define the continuous shaft therethrough, floor and ceiling runners attached to said floor and ceiling, respectively, each of said runners having at least one flange, at least two liner panel members one side of which is exposed to the shaft, means for abutting but not attaching said one side to the flange of both the runners, at least one stud characterized by means for engaging said liner members on three vertical sides thereof, and means for erecting at least one partition member away from the shaft and spaced from said liner members so as to leave an air gap therebetween, said erecting means being independent of said liner members, whereby the temporary wall is completely assembled for use and the shaft completely enclosed without the necessity for immediate erection of the partition member.
 21. The wall as defined in claim 20, wherein said stud is fitted within but not attached to the runners, said liner members being abutted against the runners and held thereto by said stud only.
 22. The air shaft wall as defined in claim 1, wherein said shaft is an elevator shaft having means for moving an elevator car therethrough. 